(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – In partnership with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston would like to welcome the public to the State Capitol to view the newest exhibit celebrating 100 Years of Arkansas State Parks.

Established in 1923, the state park system now includes 52 parks and over 55,000 acres of land for the public to enjoy.

"As an avid outdoorsman, I hope this exhibit will encourage more people to get out and enjoy what a treasure we have in our state parks," said Thurston. "It is truly a gift to live in The Natural State and enjoy it's beauty."

Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, cycling, camping, visiting historic sites, or beautiful mountain views, Arkansas State Parks offer all of that and more. No matter where you live in Arkansas, you can enjoy a state park within an hour's drive.

The Arkansas State Parks Centennial Exhibit will be on display in the State Capitol's first floor galleries until August 9th.

For more information about state park centennial events, visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com/centennial.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE EXHIBIT